Why Is My Tummy Folding in Navel Area? (photo)

It's far too early to see your final result, and things may change significantly. That said, some people get this appearance after tummy tuck because they have excess skin from side to side (think about pinching from the sides of your waist toward your navel). The traditional tummy tuck mostly addresses skin from top to bottom (think about pinching from your navel toward your groin).

The only way to remove the skin from side to side is to add an incision up and down from your breast bone to your groin. Most patients do not want this extra incision, and many times the skin will look much flatter when all the swelling goes down anyway. 

Another reason for the appearance may be that your surgeon tacked down your navel to keep the deep appearance that you had before surgery. Usually this helps the result look more natural when the swelling goes away. Give things at least 3-6 months before you look at your results very critically. 

Also, it is very normal to feel warm or faint the first time standing up (and even for the first few days). Be sure to stay well hydrated and avoid taking too much pain medication. You should be able to move and take deep breaths, but you do not want to feel sluggish.

There is always some degree of irregularity during the early post operative period.  I would not, at this point, be too concerned about it.  It is possible that the support garment is causing some infolding of the skin around the umbilicus.  Try to adjust the garment and see if this helps.  Also if you are feeling light headed it can be due to medications such as narcotics or dehydration or blood loss.  When you get up sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes before you stand.  If the condition does not improve over the next few days contact your plastic surgeon.   An abdominoplasty is a big operation and most of your symptoms are not unexpected.  

It is pretty normal to be concerned about the immediate post operative appearance.  However, there is no normal appearance at that time.  Swelling and garment pressure have a huge impact on the first few weeks after surgery.  The dizzy and warm feeling is likely narcotic and anesthesia and should fade, but have you doctor check your vital signs and exam you frequently if does not.